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Skoda Kamiq arrives in NZ

Škoda says the all-new Kamiq SUV, which has now arrived in New Zealand, sets the benchmark for space and comfort in the compact crossover.

May 4, 2020

The newest member of Škoda‘s award-winning SUV family, the Kamiq, has landed on New Zealand shores, enabling the Czech brand to enter the rapidly growing compact SUV segment for the first time.

The local distributor says the new Kamiq line-up is available now for contactless demonstrations, test drive opportunities and pre-sale inspection. 

SKODA Kamiq on road

The new Kamiq incorporates the now-familiar design language of Škoda’s expanded SUV range, making it clearly identifiable as a member of the manufacturer’s growing SUV family at glance. 

But the Kamiq also exhibitunique design details such as clean-cut split headlights and a precisely sculptured bonnet. Additionally, the all-new Kamiq also bears an upright radiator grille with distinctive double slats on its generously wide front section. The raised centre section runs down the entire bonnet, giving the new compact SUV a super-striking appearance.  

From the side, the Kamiq looks both rugged and modern thanks to its distinctive tornado line, defined surfaces and roof rails. The top-specification Monte Carlo model is fitted with a panoramic roof and gloss-black roof rails as standard, intensifying the car’s bold appearance even further.  

SKODA Kamiq Steering Wheel Side Profile Dynamic

Inside the cabin, the Škoda Kamiq sets new levels of space, offering up the elevated seat position that has proven popular in the compact SUV segment, thus increasing comfort and safety. The Kamiq’s raised seats mean occupants are positioned 40mm higher than in the brand’s Scala hatchback, for instance, enabling the driver better visibility of pedestrians and cyclists, as well as obstacles or the kerb when parking. 

The driver and front passenger benefit from 1,051mm of headroom and 1,439mm of elbow room. In typical Škoda style, the amount of space in the rear is the most generous in the segment with headroom of 1,003mm, elbow room of 1,425mm and kneeroom of 73mm. The Kamiq boasts boot capacity of 400-litres, which can reach up to 1,395-litres with the 60:40 split backrests folded down. The same clever storage compartments that feature in other Škoda models are available here too, providing extra space for stowing items. 

New seat designs and covers made from Suedia microfibre create a comfortable and stylish interior for driver and passengers alike. The Kamiq can also be further customised with decorative optional trims, contrasting stitching, ambient lighting and a Dynamic package.  

The level of comfort is boosted with Climatronic air conditioning available in the Ambition+ and Monte Carlo grade vehicles, with optional electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a heated windscreen and steering wheel.  

SKODA Kamiq Steering Wheel

The Kamiq also offers built-in SmartLink technology for connecting devices via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink and includes up to two USB-C ports in the front and two in the rear. 

Two TSI petrol engines are available for Kiwi drivers: an 85kW 1.0-litre TSI in the entry-level Ambition and the 110kW 1.5-litre TSI in the Ambition+ and Monte Carlo grades. Both powerplants are coupled with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. 

Ideal for New Zealand’s roads, Škoda has developed a new chassis that combines the advantages of an SUV with the agile driving characteristics of a compact car.  

In comparison to the Škoda Scala, which is based on the same platform, the Kamiq has longer springs and shock absorbers, a stiffer stabiliser for the front axle, a reinforced rear axle, larger wheels and power steering with a different gear ratio. As a result, the new compact SUV’s ground clearance has increased by a total of 39mm in comparison to the Scala hatchback. With a total ground clearance of 188mm, the Kamiq is setting a new benchmark in the compact SUV segment. 

The Kamiq Monte Carlo comes with additional Sport Chassis Control; a 15mm-lower sports chassis that can have its characteristics switched between Normal and Sport using Driving modes. Sport Chassis Control can also be fitted as an option to the Ambition models. 

SKODA Kamiq Badge

Naturally, safety remains paramount in Škoda’s latest addition. The Kamiq features Lane Assist, Front Assist including City Emergency Brake, Driver Fatigue Alert, and Cruise Control as standard.  

Using a camera, Lane Assist recognises road markings and helps the driver to keep the car in lane. Front Assist with City Emergency Brake lends a hand in often confusing urban traffic by preventing or reducing the severity of a collision with pedestrians or cyclists, and the Driver Fatigue Alert system recognises a reduction in the driver’s concentration and recommends they take a break. 

“The new Kamiq is the perfect fit to our SUV line-up and is set to become a pillar of our Škoda model range as a whole,” says Rodney Gillard, Škoda New Zealand General Manager.  

“We are thrilled to have had the first cars arrive and are excited to showcase this distinctive and competitively priced new entrant to the market.” 

The new Škoda Kamiq starts from $30,990 + ORCs. The Kamiq Ambition and Ambition+ are available to view now, with the Kamiq Monte Carlo due to arrive in dealerships in August 2020.